2012 Hyundai Sonata SE

Fourth place: Hot Six.

The Optima and Sonata offer the most stand­ard horsepower in this class. Which attracts us as a Flashback Pheasant Tail attracts brook trout. Riding on the only 18-inch rubber in our group, the Sonata was quickest to 60 mph, earned the lowest quarter-mile ET, topped both our top-gear tests, and was the fleetest from 5 mph to 60 mph. When it came to whoa, well, the Sonata aced that, too, knocking out the shortest braking distance from 70 mph. Then it went on to serve up the second-fastest pass through our 610-foot slalom. Quite a résumé.

Since this car’s debut as a 2011 model, it seems there’s been a sample in our Ann Arbor fleet every other week, so we’ve chronicled its traits in detail. To recap: The steering can’t match the Volkswagen’s accuracy, but at least it’s “two-finger spinnable” at parking-lot speeds. The chassis is competent with good damping and roll control. Throttle tip-in is gentle, as velvety as the Camry’s. Speaking of the Toyota, this Hyundai is only one decibel noisier at full throttle. All primary controls are fluid and willing, ditto the secondaries (apart from a radio-volume-control knob that is perversely designed to resist human fingers). The cockpit’s solid design is marred only by its remorseless blackness.

As in the Optima, the Sonata’s shifter is mounted too far astern to feel natural in its movements, but the paddles on the steering wheel save the day. Still, we wish the shift-response times were quicker. And, in traditional “D” mode, the Hyundai-engineered transmission remains too eager to grab the highest gear possible.

In our “Practically Chic” comparo, a Sonata SE defeated an Accord EX, although by six points only. The tables were gently turned this time out, mostly because we found we prefer our Sonata swathed in Optima clothing. But the Optima engaged in further cannibalism. Its front seats, its interior styling, its ergonomics, its ride, its plethora of amenities—all surpassed the Hyundai’s. And the huge rear seat in the new Camry, to cite another newcomer’s strengths, made the Sonata’s feel comparatively cramped.